Study for the Radiation Safety Exam. Test your knowledge with multiple choice questions, each equipped with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively and confidently!

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What type of radiation is primarily measured by a liquid scintillation counter?

  1. Alpha

  2. Gamma

  3. X-ray

  4. Beta

The correct answer is: Beta

A liquid scintillation counter is specifically designed to measure beta radiation. This type of counter utilizes a liquid scintillation cocktail that emits light (scintillates) when beta particles interact with the atoms in the liquid. The emitted light is then detected by photomultiplier tubes, which convert it into an electronic signal for counting. In practice, the liquid scintillation counter is effective for measuring low-energy beta emitters, which is essential in various fields such as nuclear medicine, environmental monitoring, and radiochemical analysis. While it can also detect some gamma radiation, its primary function and greatest sensitivity are toward beta particles. This makes it a critical tool for assessing and quantifying beta radiation emissions in various applications.